MIAMISBURG, Ohio — The Montgomery County Sheriff called for action Tuesday after a Miamisburg fire revealed serious issues with Cricket Wireless cell phone service.
Authorities said the fire victim, who is a Cricket customer, tried to call 911 several times when his house and business caught fire.
But officials said Cricket, which is not 911 compliant, sent the man’s 911 dials to the local police department, which was closed and answered with a recording that said, “If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 911.”
The man finally managed to use a different cell phone provider to reach 911 operators and report the fire. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed and a near total loss.
Sheriff Phil Plummer has filed a complaint with the FCC against Cricket. Plummer said, “The public safety is at risk, it’s a huge issue for us.”
Authorities said sheriff’s deputies have tested Cricket phones all over Montgomery County, and said the 911 issue exists nearly everywhere. Sheriff Plummer added, “We don’t know who’s calling, their number comes up as all zeros. We also can’t tell where you’re at.”
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